Peeta’s hijacking is so tragic because it largely has nothing to do with him. Snow turns Peeta into his worst fear, using him as a piece in a larger game to psychologically and physically torture Katniss. He strips Peeta of his sense of self and alters him into everything he is not.
Upon captivity, Snow definitely sought to punish Peeta for the role he played in the rebellion (creating the star crossed lovers narrative, “if it weren’t for the baby,” painting the picture of Rue, offering some of his winnings to Thresh and Rue’s family, etc.) but he knows Peeta is not responsible for sparking the rebellion. Peeta is not the one who pulled out the berries. He was ready and willing to die for Katniss after the rule change was rescinded. Snow knew Peeta was not acting and was motivated by his love for Katniss. He acted rebelliously in different ways but ultimately knew how to perform effectively for the Capitol during the Victory Tour.
Snow sees himself in Peeta: another victim of the manipulative tactics of a Covey girl. By brainwashing Peeta to hate Katniss, Snow does what he did to himself with Lucy Gray. Katniss succeeds in convincing Snow of her love for Peeta, granting him the power to truly break her. Ultimately, it is Katniss Snow wishes to punish and he uses Peeta as a means to an end.
(This post further discusses Peeta’s journey and the significance of his recovery because there is some hope!!)
